Nashville, Feb. 16, 1836.
Dear Cousin—
I have been detained by the ice but expect to leave for Louisville
tomorrow. I have been treated with the greatest kindness and hospitality in this
city; and was never more grateful or pleased with any place in my life.
The greatest enthusiasm pervades all ranks and sexes here in favor of the
cause of Texas. The Ladies of Nashville have offered to furnish the means
of forming and transporting a company of Volunteers to Texas. It is now
raising and will soon be ready. This generous and disinterested act of
patriotism is worthy of imitation, and will fill a bright page in the brilliant
record of female magnanimity, and devotion to the cause of liberty, of
philanthropy and religion. Such is the cause of Texas. We are
contending for the right of self-government, and of worshipping God according to
the dictates of our consciences. Our object is independence. I hope that
the great and patriotic State of Kentucky will join their Sister States of the
South in aiding us A fine field is presented for the enterprising This
contest once over—and it will soon be over—and Texas will rise and
prosper rapidly. Col. T. D. Owings has offered to raise two regiments in
Kentucky. March, April, and May next is the time we shall need aid, for by
that time Santa Anna will be with his army.
S. F. Austin.